Operation Whirl Stroke Benue Dislodges Armed Syndicate, Recovers Cache of Arms, Ammunition

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have dislodged a notorious terrorist syndicate operating in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, recovering cache of ammunition and other logistics items during a raid operation.

Acting Media and Information Officer of the Command, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu stated that the troops from Sector 1 Operation WHIRL STROKE acted on credible and actionable intelligence regarding the activities of a notorious bandit leader, indicating that the criminal kingpin and his associates were operating from a hideout at Mtan Village in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA, and advanced to the location and made contact with the armed terrorists.

He maintained that a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, forcing the terrorists to flee their enclave.

During the subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered two motorcycles believed to belong to the notorious bandit, eight magazines, 162 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammunition, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition, 44 rounds of 9mm ammunition, links of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and seven empty 7.62mm NATO cartridge casings.

Additionally, a red Toyota vehicle discovered at the scene was demobilized to prevent its further use for criminal activities.

The Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the intelligence team for their relentless efforts in providing timely information that enabled the successful operation.

He reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration between security forces and local communities.

He, therefore, urged members of the public to continue to provide credible information to security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence remains a critical factor in curbing terrorism and other forms of criminality within the region.